Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-05-28


1t was only man with a new and desira-
bic apparatus tor the cleaning of lamp
chlmneys, and the girl. who answered the
door steadily refused to admit him: but
Mrs. Lester found herself unable 10 sleep
again. She gave her attention, therefore,
to the arrangement of her puffs, which
had become slightly disordered, aRd went
down stairs. Something in the appear
ance of the hall table impressed her. a
closer consideration of the fact showed it
to be occasioned by the absence of her
nlece's hat. She stepped 10 the door;
low chair stood under one of the naples
and upon it fan and an open book, upon
which was small, black kitten, fast asleep
She looked up the street; attaching no i'm
portance, however, 10 the fact of two per-
sons coming rapidly down it. She explored
the parlor, but paused, i'll the act of look
ing under the sofa, at the sound of step
outside, and turning, saw her niece come
quickly in and trip lightly up the stairs
saw, with horror-stricken eyes; for Miss
Mather's skirts were wet and draggled at
the bottom her hat was pushed back from
a flushed and gleeful face, and she held a
bunch of water lilies in her hand.
1t was at precisely half-past 3 o'clock
upon the next afternoon that Mr.. Miller
Hardy again sauntered in an aimless man
ner down the street of Mrs. Testers resi-
dence, and again paused before the gate.
But he looked now, with an expression of
surprise and perplexity, toward the maple
under which Miss Mather had sat the dav
before. There was nobody under it now,
and apparently there was nobody any,
where else. The doors and windows We're
closed, although the day was warm; the
place wore deserted, almost funeral APP
pearance. Mr.. Hardy stood for moment
in perturbed reflection then he walked on
irresolutely 10 the end OF the fence and
back to the gate; and then becoming con-
sclous that his movements were attracting
the curious regard of somebody in a win
dow opposite, he was preparing reluctantly
to turn away, when the front door opened
by imperceptible degrees, white dress
tiuttered there for an agitated moment, and
Miss Mather stepped silently and cautiously
to the ground. She waved him back in
visible alarm as he laid an eager hand upon
the gate, and tiptoed softly down the walk.
Her face was deeply serious.
L have come TO tell YOU" she said. al
mostin whisper, " that I cannot 90 to-
day; nor tomorrow nor-any more at
all"
Mr.. Hardy stood for an instant in discon-
certed silence.
Good heavens he calculated; she
was not awake :?
. She was awake replied Miss Mather,
solemnly. And-I am going home to-
morrow. She says she cannot have the re-
sponsibility OF me any longer.
She raised her eyes to his in sweet APP
peal.
In that respect" said Mr.. Hardy. re-
fiectively. " donot in the remotest degree
resemble Mrs. Lester. feel that | might
be easily reconciled to undertaking the re-
sponsibility of you"
" And so, Miss Mather continued. tax
ing no notice that remark. Il have come.
at the risk of my life, to say good-by to
you"
" Having run so great a risk" he re-
sponded, in the same reflective manner. lit
IS perhaps pity that you will not be ena-
bled to say good-by to ne; but it is a
strange coincidence-upon W hat train shall
you leaye?"
" At noon tomorrow" She held out her
hand in farewell.
All, yes the 1882 Mr.. Hardy took
the hand and held it, in defiance of the per-
son across the street. II is strange CO.
incidence that | shall undoubtedly start at
the same time"
@ think L must go back" said Miss
Mather, andswithdrew her hand but with
drew it very gently, indeed, and with a
softly radiant smile.
Mrs. Lester accompanied her niece to the
depot the next day. She was forced to con-
feSS that that young lady had behaved in a
most exemplary manner concerning the
unfortunate event which fastened her de-
parture. She had admitted the entire i'm
propriety of her conduct she had even ex-
pressed degree of repentance; and she
had promised to explain to her parents
that it was onlysafter long and thoughtful
consideration on the part of her aunt.
which had resulted in a knowledge of her
total untitness for the further responsible
liy of herself, that she now returned to
them. Nevertheless, Mrs. Lester accom-
panied her niece to the depot. She felt
that she could not conscientiouslv with
draw her supervision of her for one mo-
ment before the last. 1t was therefore with
a yirtuous feeling of relief that she babe
her niece good-by as the train came rat
thing in.
Remember. Dorotliea," she said, re-
leasing her from an embrace whose warmth
was properly suited to the publicity of the
occasion, " that | have always your best in
terest at heart, and that / shall ever be
anxious for your welfare"
The appropriate expression of benignity
with which she spoke suddenly gave way
TO one of Mortified amazement. A Young
man, in summer travelling suit. with a
valise and an umbrella, was approaching
them. He raised his hat with smiling po-
likeness. and taking possession of Miss
Mather with an air of assured proprietor
ship, assisted her into the car. The train
moved slowly off with a handkerchief way
ing from one of It's windows: but Mrs. Les
ter stood quite motionless until its last
rumble had died away.
If va far1 Io4o
Crompton was rejoicing in the balmiest of
bright spring days, that Mrs Lester stood
waiting again the arrival of the 1890 train.
She was keeping vigilant watch of a small
trunk marked with her own name. and
cycling the truckman in whose charge it
was with something of suspicion.
The train came putting in.
Allow me TO assist you, ma'am," said a
voice behind her.
1t was DIR. Moxton. He was regarding
her in particular beaming manner. But
Mrs. Lester declined his offer He was
struggling with a huge valise and threeun
calmly bundles, and looked himself greatly
in need Of assistance.
He found her a seat in the car. however
and deposited himself and his bundles
there also. His complacence found ex.
preston as they moved off
l suppose, ma'am,' he said smilingly,
removing his glasses and rubbing them
softly, that we are starting to attend the
same happy occasion Pr
Mrs. Testers oomposure remained I'M
changed.
lam expecting to be present at the mar
rage of my niece if it is that to which you
refer, she replied unmovedly.
The doctor looked little abashed but
he made another effort.
1t isamost happy event from all views
he SAID lmpressively, "a most happy event"
Mrs. Lester leaned forward and requested
the gentleman in front of her to close his
window, which, encountering her eye he
Immediately did
The doctor lost patience
May inquire, ma am, he said rather
testify what is your objection to my
nephew"
But Mrs. Lester was absorbed in conten-
plation OF the view and did not reply
Godey's Lady's Book.